Scholarship Entry: Awakened in India

My Scholarship entry - Awakened in India

India | Sunday, November 23, 2014 | 5 photos

Like my idol, Gordon Parks, I came to photography late (or at least late by today's social media standards). I was well past 30 before I had my first real camera. I come from an Engineering background and struggled with what I called the ability to be creative. Through the years I've taken a slew of local classes and workshops; forever critical of my work, I generally drifted along in photography dreaming of shooting and walking in the footsteps of the greats! Then on a recent trip to Vietnam and India, it clicked!

I am never so much alive as when I am amongst it with my camera on the road. My hesitancy and apprehensions slip away and I'm driven to engage and learn as much as I can. A smile from a stranger and a nod in assent to be photographed is my reward. Photography crystallizes a moment in time when eyes connect in common brotherhood, or light falls perfectly on a weathered face, or hope and joy or simple curiosity radiate back from a child. In these moments I am who I'm meant to be; keenly alive and alert to my purpose -- to share. Travel and photography allow me to connect with humanity; in so doing, I connect with the best part of me.

Have camera; will travel!